When you travel on business, especially if you’re away from home for weeks at a time, you probably already know staying healthy can be a challenge. Not only can the disruption in your schedule cause you to cut corners on healthy practices, but at this time of year during a particularly dangerous flu season, you definitely want to keep your immune system at its best. Thankfully, you can boost your health by taking a few proactive steps. Here are five common-sense tips for staying healthy on an extended business trip.
1. Get plenty of sleep.
Yes, you may be under pressure to meet deadlines or to make your business trip as productive as possible, but if you get sick, all of that goes out the window. Sleep helps your body reset, restores energy and stamina, and boosts your immune system. Know when to call it a day, and maybe skip the karaoke bar with your colleagues and go to bed early when you’re tired.
2. Eat right.
Eating healthy can be a challenge during business trips, but it can be done. Try to grab fruits and veggies for snacks instead of reaching for the candy bar. If you must eat on the go, skip the hot dog stand and find a to-go salad bar. Better yet, take 30 minutes for yourself and sit down for a healthy meal. You’ll have more energy and more stamina if you do.
3. Exercise.
On a busy trip, who has time to work out? You do, if you make time for it. Avail yourself of your hotel’s fitness center, or ask your work place if they offer access to a gym close by. Even an occasional brisk walk to clear your head will help.
4. Wash hands frequently.
When you travel to a new city, you likely have less resistance to the specific viruses that breed there. Since most illnesses are transmitted through touching, make a point of washing hands regularly, especially after touching public surfaces and before you eat.
5. Establish a routine.
Many of the points listed above (especially eat, sleep and exercise) can be accomplished more easily if you set up a daily routine for yourself while on your extended trip. It may be challenging, and sometimes work demands may disrupt it; if so, just return to your routine whenever possible. It makes healthy habits easier to maintain.
6. Consider short-term corporate housing over hotel stays.
Another tip that makes healthy habits easier is to stay in a furnished corporate apartment during your extended business trip, rather than a hotel. Not only is it usually a cheaper option, but it provides a home-away-from-home environment that enables you to set up healthy routines more easily. You can prepare healthy food in your fully equipped kitchen rather than heading to the restaurant, and many corporate apartments include gym access for exercise. Best of all, you have a private retreat where you can truly relax and get the rest you need.
If your business travels bring you to Atlanta or Jacksonville, TP Corporate Lodging can put you in a fully furnished apartment with plenty of amenities and conveniences to make your extended stay as comfortable and restful as possible. To learn more, call us at 800.428.9997.